Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Both of the breeds used to create Aussiedoodles are considered to be canine Einsteins, making this one super smart cross-breed.

Did You Know?

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, usually a Standard or Miniature Poodle. He is intelligent, friendly and affectionate. Depending on the size of the Poodle used in the cross, an Aussiedoodle’s weight can range from 25 to 70 pounds.

The Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed, the result of a deliberate mating between two different breeds. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside. It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed.

Aussiedoodles have a moderate to high activity level. They need a good walk or active playtime each day, and they are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience and rally. They can also be excellent therapy dogs.

Both of the breeds used to create Aussiedoodles are considered to be canine Einsteins. It’s to your benefit to give the Aussiedoodle a job that will keep him busy, busy, busy. Teach him to find and bring you things, pull your gardening equipment around the yard, or anything else you can think of. Keeping him occupied will ensure that he doesn’t go off and find his own (likely destructive) entertainment. But if you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion.

Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Aussiedoodles are also sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs.There is no scientific evidence that any breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic.

Aussiedoodle puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Aussiedoodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for an Aussiedoodle. You can often find a wonderful example of this cross-breed dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations.

If you do choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to both Australian Shepherds and Poodles. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Other Quick Facts

Aussiedoodles are companion dogs. They love being with people and need to live in the house, never outdoors.

But crossing two breeds over and over does not a breed make. A breed is a group of animals related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. To achieve consistency in appearance, size and temperament, breeders must select the puppies with the traits they want and breed them over several generations for the traits to become set.

Crossbreeds such as the Aussiedoodle have become popular over the past ten or twenty years as people seek out dogs that are different from the everyday Yorkie or Poodle or that they think will have certain appealing characteristics. For instance, it’s often claimed that crossbreeds are hypoallergenic or have fewer health problems or will carry the best traits of each breed.

Unfortunately, genes aren’t quite that malleable. Genetic traits sort out randomly in each dog, so without selecting for certain characteristics over many generations, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the best of each breed. And no matter what his breed or mix, an individual dog may be more or less allergenic or intelligent or healthy.

Whatever his breed, cross or mix, love your dog for what he is: a unique, special and loving companion.

Aussiedoodle Personality and Temperament

Temperament is affected partly by inheritance and partly by environment, so it can be variable. An Aussiedoodle’s temperament depends on several things: the temperaments of his parents, especially the mother, who is more likely to influence a puppy’s behavior, the amount of socialization he receives and the particular genes he inherits. In general, though, Aussiedoodles are friendly dogs who are devoted to their families. They have some possible quirks, though, that you should be aware of.

The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog, and he likes people to stay together. If you see your Aussiedoodle trying to herd family members, especially children, by bumping or nipping at them, he’s not being aggressive; he’s following his instincts. That’s one instinctive behavior that shouldn’t be permitted, though. Put a stop to the behavior with a “Down,” “Leave It” or “Sit-Stay” command. Then throw a ball or other toy for him to chase. Consistently correct this behavior or it can become a real problem.

An Aussiedoodle should never be shy or aggressive to either people or other animals. Say no thanks if a puppy’s parents won’t let you approach them, shy away from you or growl at you, or if puppies do any of those things.

An Aussiedoodle will undoubtedly be smart and highly trainable, thanks to the intelligence of both breeds and the Australian Shepherd’s strong desire to do a job. If you train an Aussiedoodle with positive reinforcement techniques, showing him what you like by rewarding him with praise, play and treats, he’s likely to learn quickly and happily.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Aussiedoodle, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

What You Need to Know About Aussiedoodle Health

All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the mixed breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Aussiedoodles may be susceptible to the health problems of both the Australian Shepherd and Poodle, but there’s also a chance that the genetic diversity introduced by mixing two breeds may lower the chances of developing certain inherited diseases. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog. Please refer to the breed guides on Australian Shepherd and Poodle for an overview of some of the inherited disease reported in these two breeds.

Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog (and grandparents, etc.) have been screened for common defects and deemed healthy for breeding. That’s where health registries come in.

If a breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines and her dogs have been "vet checked," then you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing.

Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping an Aussiedoodle at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

The Basics of Aussiedoodle Grooming

Aussiedoodles can have different types of fur. Some have the long, straight hair of the Australian Shepherd, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls and some fall somewhere in the middle. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Depending on his coat type, plan to brush the Aussiedoodle at least every other day. If he has a curly coat, you may need to have him clipped every eight to 12 weeks.

The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually every few weeks. Keep the ears clean and dry to prevent bacterial and yeast infections. Brush the teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.

Finding an Aussiedoodle

Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing an Aussiedoodle Breeder

Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks.

Aussiedoodle puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Aussiedoodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for a Aussiedoodle. You may find a wonderful example of this cross-bred dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations such as Petfinder.

If you choose to purchase a Aussiedoodle, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to Poodles and Australian Shepherds. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications, even for a crossbreed, is the best way to do that. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run.

Many breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.

Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies.

Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Aussiedoodle might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy.

With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that.

Adopting a Dog From an Aussiedoodle Rescue or Shelter

There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started.

1. Use the Web

Sites like Petfinder.com can have you searching for an Aussiedoodle in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Aussiedoodles available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Also some local newspapers have “pets looking for homes” sections you can review.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

2. Reach Out to Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for an Aussiedoodle. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

3. Talk to Breed Rescue

Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Aussiedoodle rescues in your area. Most people who love Aussiedoodles love all Aussiedoodles. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. Aussiedoodle breeders and enthusiasts can help you find a rescue dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Aussiedoodle rescues in your area.

4. Key Questions to Ask

You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:

What is his energy level?

How is he around other animals?

How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children?

What is his personality like?

What is his age?

Is he housetrained?

Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of?

Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your Aussiedoodle, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses.

Puppy or adult, take your Aussiedoodle to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.